Mefloquine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Lariam

Proper Use of This Medicine

Mefloquine is best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water and with food, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Mefloquine may be crushed and put in water, milk, or juice to make it easier to take.

For patients taking mefloquine to prevent the symptoms of malaria :

• Your doctor will want you to start taking this medicine one week before you travel to an area where there is a chance of getting malaria.
• Also, you should keep taking this medicine while you are in the area where malaria is present and for 4 weeks after you leave the area . No medicine will protect you completely from malaria. However, to protect you as completely as possible, it is important that you keep taking this medicine for the full time your doctor ordered . Also, if fever or �flu-like� symptoms develop during your travels or within 2 to 3 months after you leave the area, check with your doctor immediately .
• This medicine works best when you take it on a regular schedule. For example, if you are to take it once a week, it is best to take it on the same day each week. Do not miss any doses . If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For patients taking mefloquine to treat malaria :

• To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor .

Children taking mefloquine to treat malaria may vomit after taking this medicine. Your child may vomit some of the dose of medicine. Contact your child's doctor if vomiting occurs. The doctor may need for you to give your child more medicine.

Dosing - The dose of mefloquine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of mefloquine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on whether you are using mefloquine to prevent or to treat malaria .

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For prevention of malaria:
    • Adults and children weighing over 45 kilograms (kg) (99 pounds) - 250 milligrams (mg) (1 tablet) one week before traveling to an area where malaria occurs. Then 250 mg once a week on the same day of each week and preferably after your main meal while staying in the area and every week for four weeks after leaving the area.
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children weighing 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 pounds): 5 mg per kg of body weight one week before traveling to an area where malaria occurs.
      • Children weighing 10 to 19 kg (21 to 43 pounds): 62.5 mg (1/4 tablet) one week before traveling to an area where malaria occurs. Then 62.5 mg once a week while staying in the area where malaria occurs and every week for four weeks after leaving the area.
      • Children weighing 20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 pounds): 125 mg (1/2 tablet) one week before traveling to an area where malaria occurs. Then 125 mg once a week while staying in the area and every week for four weeks after leaving the area.
      • Children weighing 31 to 45 kg (67 to 99 pounds): 187.5 mg (3/4 tablet) one week before traveling to an area where malaria occurs. Then 187.5 mg once a week while staying in the area and every week for four weeks after leaving the area.
  • For treatment of malaria:
    • Adults - 1250 mg as a single dose, or 750 mg as one dose, then a 500 mg dose 8 hours later, or may be determined by your doctor based on body weight
    • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 20 to 25 mg per kg (9 to 11 mg per pound) of body weight as a single dose or two doses (divide the single dose by two) taken 6 to 8 hours apart. Taking two doses may decrease the occurrence of unwanted side effects.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep you taking your medicine on a regular schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.